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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a lot of answers to questions we get asked a lot as Realtors.  If you have questions that aren't answered below, feel free to ask away by submitting your question below. 

Why should we hire you to represent us as a property buyer or seller?

You can be assured we will do an excellent job for you! Combined we have over 25 years of experience.  We are both professional Real Estate Brokers working under the RE/MAX umbrella - #1 Real Estate Company in Canada and North America


 

What is a Buyer’s Market

A Buyer’s Market occurs when there are more properties available than there are property buyers. This puts the buyer in a good bargaining position as it provides them with more options and a better negotiating position when it comes to making an offer.


 

What is a Seller’s Market

A Seller’s Market occurs when there are more interested buyers than there are available properties. A real estate seller’s market puts the seller in a better negotiating position. This type of market typically results in multiple offer situations, higher prices and homes selling much more quickly.
 

How do you know what my house is worth?

The market determines the value of your property. Ultimately your property is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it. When determining a houses value, we need to compare your property to other similar properties that have sold recently.  We need to compare: Location, Size, Condition (Recent Renovations), Market Conditions (Buyer’s Market, Seller’s Market), Neighbourhood, Community, Current interest rates and What else is currently for sale (the competition). 

There are many complicated things that go into a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) or PVR (Property Valuation Report), if you’d like to book your free consultation today, click here. 

 

When do I need to provide the deposit if my offer is accepted?

This all depends on what the contract states. If it says that you will provide a deposit “Upon Acceptance” of your offer, this means you are required to deliver the deposit either in person or electronically within 24 hours of your offer being accepted. If the offer says “Herewith” that means you should be providing the deposit at the same time that you submit the offer. If the offer says “as otherwise described in this Agreement” this means there should be wording somewhere else in the Agreement (likely the Schedule A) which will describe the deposit details.

Do I need to have a FOR SALE sign?

No, you aren’t required to have a FOR SALE sign on your front lawn, although it is highly recommended. Without the sign, you will be missing out on many valuable opportunities to find the right buyer who might be someone living on your street or someone driving by who is not even be considering buying a new home but loves the neighbourhood. With our custom riders displaying your personalized website, we can attract buyers to visit your website which is one of our many marketing tools. 

 

When is the Best Time to Sell my Home?

It is typically best to list your home during a “Seller’s Market”. A Seller’s Market is when there are more qualified buyers than available homes for sale. Other factors can affect the sale of the home such as weather, school season, seasonal holidays and more. It’s best to set up a time to meet in order to discuss your needs and expectations. Contact us to set up a time to meet in order to discuss your specific situation.

 

Should I sell or buy first?

Both options have their own pros and cons. It is best to contact experienced brokers like Ian Woods and Scott Bird in order to consult and see what is best for you and your family’s needs. Click here to schedule one today. 

 

Who Pays and What is land transfer tax in Ontario?

Properties sold within Ontario are subject to a Provincial Tax paid by the buyer. Each property is different, as it is a calculation based on the purchase price and the geographical location. To calculate click this tax on this link. https://www.ratehub.ca/land-transfer-tax-ontario

 

What does it cost to hire you as my Real Estate Agent When I am Buying a House?

The good news is that as a Buyer, you are not obligated to pay your real estate sales representative a fee. Rather, the Seller is required to cover the associated costs of selling their property. However, some costs you may need to consider are: and transfer tax, a property inspection, mortgage fees, legal fees and disbursements (including title insurance), closing cost (property tax adjustments), home insurance, moving expenses and connection charges for gas, electrical and water. In addition to these potential costs, you may need to budget for any repairs that may be needed when you move in.  We can help you figure out approximately what the these expenses will be.

 

How will you market my property?

We market your property in a multitude of ways. Of course, www.realtor.ca is the biggest and best tool where most buyers go to search online. We hire professional Real Estate Photographers to make your home “POP” and for your home to stand out from the competition. We are also very active on social media, with paid ads specific for your home on Facebook and Instagram.  Your own customized website (specific to your property) is a great way to get buyers to notice your property especially when it’s on your sign where prospective buyers driving by can easily type the address into their smartphone and see your listing for sale highlighted on your own website. 

 

What do i need to know before buying a waterfront property

Buying a waterfront property can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique challenges and considerations. Here are some important things to keep in mind before making a purchase:

  1. Understand the local regulations: Before purchasing a waterfront property, it's important to research the local regulations, including zoning laws and environmental restrictions. These regulations can impact your ability to build, renovate, or use the property.

  2. Conduct a thorough inspection: A waterfront property may be subject to more wear and tear due to the effects of weather and water exposure. It's important to conduct a thorough inspection of the property, including the foundation, dock, seawall, and any other waterfront features.

  3. Research the water quality: The quality of the water can impact your ability to swim, fish, or engage in other water activities. Be sure to research the water quality in the area and any potential hazards, such as harmful algae blooms or pollution.

  4. Consider the maintenance costs: Waterfront properties often require more maintenance than other properties due to the effects of weather and water exposure. Be sure to factor in the costs of maintenance and repairs when considering the overall cost of the property.

  5. Think about resale value: While waterfront properties can be highly desirable, the location is always key.  Your use might be different than the future buyer. Waterfront properties tend to hold their value better than regular residential, as they can not make more. 

By considering these important factors, you can make a more informed decision when purchasing a waterfront property.

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